Category Archives: DIY

In this part one of an instructional/discussion video, DIY veteran (and former Marine) USMCDoc discusses the illustrious process of building an AK-47 variant from scratch. In it, he dispels the myths, the rumors, and the horse crap in favor of pointing out the important whys for each type of build.

This is a multi-part series, so be prepared for several hours of mostly discussion with some actual show-and-tell. If you’re serious about building an AK-47 variant from scratch, then you have every reason in the world to watch this series from start to finish and follow his advice. However, if you’re looking for a down and dirty – check out the video right below this paragraph.

The Blank Receiver

Before you really can go anywhere with an AK-47 variant build, you’re going to need to machine the receiver. Now, before you do this – check with YOUR state and localities laws. If you EVER want to sell or transfer this item, you will have to go through the FFL process with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

If you decide you want to make the trigger housing group fully automatic or selective firing, you’re going to need an NFA. That’s also non-negotiable in terms of federal law. So, when you are building your AK-47 variant, keep all those things in mind.

Why Is A Homemade AK-47 Variant So Essential?

The AK-47 is one of the most reliable and easily fabricated semi-automatic rifles in existence. It’s main competitor, at the time, was the FAL equivalent which was adopted by many NATO partners. The FAL is complete horse rubbish. It’s not very hardy and it’s much more difficult to operate than most AK-47 variants.

And the other major competitor (at the hayday of AK-47 manufacturing) was the CAR-15 (AR-15, civilian equivalent; M-16A2, military equivalent). The CAR-15 is indisputably one of the best medium range battle rifles on the planet. It uses a smaller bullet size (5.56 mm) than the AK-47 (7.62x39mm) and – with only iron sights and some windage – can reach out and touch someone at 500 yds. What’s not to love?

AR-15s are SEVERELYoverpriced and their stock Mil Spec parts can sometimes be garbage.

There is literally no reason on this planet stock AR-15s should be this expensive.

Soooo… You can either spend $1300-1500 building an AR-15 from parts the right way or $850 stock base. From the $850 base model, most AR-15 owners who actually intend to use their AR-15 at the range and as a home-defense weapon, will spend upwards of $1,200 upgrading that rifle through after-market parts.

Screw all that. An AK-47 built from the bottom up will serve you just as well – if not better. You can still add all the bells and whistles that make the rifle “tacticool” while actually being just as effective (if not more so) than a tricked out AR-15 variant.

So, building an AK-47 from the ground up is a fraction of the cost of doing the same with an AR-15 and can accompany all the tricks and ponies every mean motherjammer wants with his rifle.

For those that like to maintain a state of readiness to deal with uncertain times, it’s important to maintain a steady, regular supply of clean water, food, first aid, and tools. If you’ve ever watched the show “Preppers”, you’ll likely see that there are quite a few people who have their own ideas about how to survive a catastrophic scenario – aka STHF. One thing you may notice from that show, as well, is many rely on static compounds.

While that is one strategy, we’re going to explore another.

There are a few life lessons we can take to heart from none other than watching how insurgents evaded NATO and US forces in Afghanistan.

Prepper Learning Lessons from Insurgent Tactics

There’s not too much to love about the Taliban. This article is NOT advocating them in any way, shape or form. Ruthless, cunning, and deceptive, they have managed to thwart efforts to be stamped out by US forces throughout more than ten years of active pursuit.

The best military in the world could never, even at their height, completely eliminate their activity. How did the Taliban and their allies manage to evade capture so well?

Strategically Placed Supply Caches

No man can survive for more than three to four days without fresh water. Nor can he fight without ammunition or some form of food.

When US forces discovered these caches, they would often either destroy in place or attempt to collect intelligence from them. But one thing was extremely apparent – the Taliban never put all their eggs in one basket. And if you’re developing plans to survive in the event of disaster, neither should you.

Castles Fall, Plans Change, and Survivors Move Fast

Unless you personally have a small army with its own independent supply of ammunition and arms, you can never assume any defensive fortification you hold – be it home, improvised structure, or bedrock-built castle – will hold for any length of time.

Why? Because you need sleep. Outside of water, the only thing human beings can’t do without for three to four days is sleep.

More importantly, in a survival situation,

Priority one is evacuating to a safer location.

Priority two is ensuring that fresh supplies are available to rebuild.

Priority three is ensuring catastrophic loses to your pursuers.

Iron-reinforced walls, embankments, brick and mortar fortifications, sandbags, and overlapping fields of fire are all very well and good. But, again, without personnel to man those walls – the only purpose of them is to delay and resist an enemy advancing upon you.

Good News – Survival IS Cheap

Historically, take a look at any military force that has had to resist a much stronger, better equipped one.

Whether it be the North Vietnamese in 1967 or the Taliban in 2007 or the Sinoloa Cartel in Northern Mexico, the same core principles always apply.

Stay light

Stay fast

Never put all your eggs in one basket

You don’t need multi-million dollar complexes, advanced sensor technology, or even the best arms and munitions to pull this off. You just need to understand your needs, your family’s needs, and not be afraid to put in plenty of sweat capital.

Here’s what all three guerilla forces employed as their main modes of movement for short distances: tunnels, caches, spider holes.

The tunnels only need to be big enough to crawl through and they’re only meant to get you from one position to another without being harassed. Reinforce with wood or, ideally, non-corrosive materials.

Spider holes are also another quick invention that is great for keeping you and some supplies off the beaten path. They can sometimes even store more than just you for really short amounts of time.

Never put more into a spider hole than you’re willing to lose. Always mark the location in some distinct way that only you would identify and understand.

Caches can be big or small stores of essential emergency items such as medical supplies, food, water, tools, and ammunition. They can double as short-term safe houses or spider holes. Basic rule of thumb: the bigger the cache, the more you have to haul.

Plan multiple routes and place caches along those routes. If you take Route A versus Route B, you may have the opportunity to double back and collect some of those items. In a survival situation, whenever it is feasible to take all supplies with you and leave nothing behind – that’s what you should do. Don’t leave anything behind to help your pursuers.

There are numerous reason to install night sights on your Glock. Some of which could save your life one day. This is why we feel you should learn how to do it yourself, and save a few bucks! Below is step by step instructions with images. Have fun, and safe shooting!

3) Take your Glock Front Sight Tool to the bolt on the front sight and twist counter clockwise, separating the bolt from the sight. Once separated pull the front sight off of the frame.

4) Replace the original front sight with the new font night sight.
Note: before installing put a drop of lock tight on the new bolt from your new night sight.DO NOT- Use the factory Glock bolt to install your new sight!

5) Screw the new front sight on clockwise with the Glock Front Sight Tool.DO NOT- Over tighten because you can easily strip the bolt!

6) Once the front sight is installed you may now put the slide in your Bench Vise and secure it.Note: Make sure you have padding on the vise so you do not damage the slide!

7) Take your nylon punch and hammer to the base of your factory sight and start tapping it out so the sight will slide out.

8) Loosen the bench vise and rotate the slide because you will now be driving the new rear sight towards the ground and secure the bench vise.

9) Grab your new rear night sight, and slide it in as far as it can go. Once the rear sight is slid into place, grab your nylon punch and hammer then start tapping SOFTLY at the most base of the sight. If you tap to hard then you could possibly break the tritium vials inside and ruin your new night sight!Note: Don’t be the guy that puts his rear sight in backwards.

10) Make sure your rear sight has equal spacing on both sides and is flush with the slide!

11) Reassemble your Glock by inserting your barrel and guide rod then installing the slide back onto the frame.

Congratulations! You have now finished the installation of your new night sights!